Seaboard Central 2.0

[davefoxx]

Based on the correspondence I received from the water company, I believe that they are required by law to update the water meter to ensure its accuracy.  Since it's located in the basement, they can already read it from outside.   Yeah, I expect that it shouldn't take too long to replace.  Loosen this union, loosen that union, swap, tighten this union, tighten that union, and done!  That, of course, assumes that the shut-offs work.  I'm sure I'll wait much longer for them to show up.

I'm just glad that I could fold the yard down, giving them plenty of space to work, because then I don't have to move the layout and the problems that causes: (1) the table is level in its current spot on an unlevel basement floor, and (2) I'd have to clear the layout of all motive power and rolling stock to move it.  I'm lazy.

DFF

[chuck geiger]

Screw the water company

[davefoxx]

As promised, I put in some more undergrowth around the trees that abut the A&R mainline.  Since this track is supposed to be short line railroading, as compared to the Class 1 Seaboard System tracks in most of the previous pictures, I made the foliage come much closer to the tracks.  Any closer, though, and track-cleaning won't be any fun.

I'm not saying that I'm finished installing undergrowth or adding more texture and variety of foliage, but, for now, @Ed Kapuscinski, is this a little better?



Standing back and looking at this shot, I really like it.  And, this is on a door! 

DFF

[mu26aeh]

I just got a box of super trees today.  Which route are you going about making yours ?  I seen a video where someone dipped trees in india ink/alcohol wash, dried, then used spray adhesive for the foliage followed by hit with hair spray.  And instructions say to mix up matte medium, dip, foliage, hang to dry ? 

As for straightening them, I used my soldering iron.  Worked out great, just try not to touch the small branches, they ignite almost instantly. 

[MichaelWinicki]

I just got a box of super trees today.  Which route are you going about making yours ?  I seen a video where someone dipped trees in india ink/alcohol wash, dried, then used spray adhesive for the foliage followed by hit with hair spray.  And instructions say to mix up matte medium, dip, foliage, hang to dry ? 

As for straightening them, I used my soldering iron.  Worked out great, just try not to touch the small branches, they ignite almost instantly. 

I did the matte medium dip, cover with foliage, hang upside to dry, hit with hairspray, cover with more foliage route.

[davefoxx]

I'm doing exactly what Michael described with a shot of brown spray paint beforehand.  I'm actually taking a break from making trees right now.  Hopefully, I'll have another twelve trees ready for planting tomorrow morning after a night hanging from the clothesline to dry.

Oh, and while they're drying on the clothesline upside down, I hang more clothespins from the trees using the clothespins' weight to straighten the tree.  I don't care if the trees are not perfectly straight, as real trees aren't perfectly straight, either.

DFF 

[svedblen]

Amazing! I like it the variety a lot 

[conrailthomas519]

Dave, Awesome shot! Great Work

[davefoxx]

Thank you, @svedblen and @conrailthomas519!

[davefoxx]

The next batch of trees is planted, and Aberdeen is now visually separated from the Southern Pines side of the layout.  I've been making trees in batches of twelve, so I could use another tree or two in a few spots to fill in where the foliage is sparse.  But, you should get the idea.







Dave

[davefoxx]

A&R GP38 No. 400 ("Duke Blue Crane") is heading east out of Aberdeen with a short train.  Right now, the engineer has his hands full, as the train struggles to climb the 2.5% Bethesda Hill en route to Raeford and Fayetteville.



DFF

[wcfn100]

I'm actually taking a break from making trees right now. 

I remember when Ed did that.


Jason

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I like it. Looks really good, and fits the A&R well.

[Bendtracker1]

Dave I like the way you used the trees for a backdrop/divider and the tunnel like look where the A&R cuts through.
Curious, how much traffic does the A&R have on that line?  Enough to warrant good track maintenance?

[wazzou]

Really nice Dave...so you're modeling late Summer or early Fall though, right?